Why is it that we have become such an intolerant society? Surely, each religion teaches us to be tolerant and respectful of each other.

This will ensure that there is cohesion as well security within communities rather than intolerance breeding hate and disrespect for people, their religion and culture.

Tolerance is a basic principle of Islam. It is a religious and moral duty. It does not mean compromise. It does not mean lack of principles or lack of seriousness about one’s principles.

It means accepting the fact that human beings, naturally distinct in their appearance, situation, speech, behaviour, and values, have the right to live in peace anto be as they are.

It also means that one’s views are not to be imposed on others. We have to tolerate others according to their point of view, we can’t just impose our point of view on others.

The Quran speaks about the basic dignity of all human beings. The Prophet (SAW) spoke about the equality of all human beings, regardless of their race, colour, language or traditional background.

In modern usage, the word “tolerance” has come to signify mutual respect and peaceful harmony between conflicting religions and ideologies.

No doubt, Islam supports tolerance on a social level. We should impart to our children the quality of tolerance, and forgiveness because the family is the first school of privilege. We should concentrate more on this virtue of tolerance so that we can live a peaceful and happy life. We must emphasize this virtue among us and in the world.